OVERVIEW

Bacterial vaginosis is a common but little-understood condition that affects women of all ages. It is caused by an imbalance of the bacteria that naturally occur in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection, but it is associated with sexual activity.

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age, and it is associated with several adverse outcomes, including pelvic inflammatory disease, increased susceptibility to HIV infection, and preterm labor.
Despite its prevalence, there is still a great deal of misunderstanding about bacterial vaginosis.

Additional Information

Bacterial vaginosis can be easily treated with antibiotics (pills, cream, or gel), and it should clear up quickly. Antibiotics used to treat BV include metronidazole and clindamycin. BV should be treated as soon as possible since it can increase your risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection, such as gonorrhea, herpes, or HIV. It is also associated with a higher risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications, as well as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Don’t wait to schedule your virtual consultation with an online doctor and start treatment.

Symptoms

• Thin, gray, white or green vaginal discharge.
• Foul-smelling “fishy” vaginal odor.
• Vaginal itching.
• Burning during urination.

TREATMENT

Thankfully, treating bacterial vaginosis doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming. In most cases, it can be treated with antibiotics (pills, cream, or gel)

• Metronidazole
• Tinidazole
• Clindamycin

It may reoccur within 3-12 months, so additional treatments may be needed.